Learning in an Invertebrate with a Positive Reinforcement of Water

Abstract

Four isopods, Porcellio scaber, were subjected to a water-deprivation procedure in a temperature- and humidity-controlled environment. Ss were then given trials in a T maze. When turning against a pre-established preference (correct turn) was followed by access to water, all Ss began on subsequent trials to turn against preference to a criterion of 9 correct turns out of 10 consecutive trials, within a range of 10 to 44 trials. A control group not given access to water after turning did not exhibit any marked change in turning tendency.